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Bring the Urns Home to Springfield Township after 80 years at Philadelphia Museum of Art

Erdenheim, PA
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December 10, 2018

Bring the Urns Home for The Holidays

12,000 lb. french urns from Philadelphia Museum of Art of be transported to Springfield Township!

Montgomery County, PA -- 285-year-old restored local landmark hosted 150 residents who come together to bring a piece of local history home last week.

A pair of 10 ft tall, 12,000-pound french urns that were donated to the Philadelphia Museum of Art 80 years ago from a local estate is finally coming back to their home in Springfield Township, Montgomery County.

Food, music and a large decorated tree highlighted the fundraiser which was held to pay the $10,000 cost to move the massive urns from the art museum, where they have lived since 1938, to the municipal complex in Springfield Township for residents to enjoy.

The urns were donated to the art museum from the estate of Whitemarsh Hall, the home of Eva and George Stotesbury. Built in 1916, Whitemarsh Hall at 100,000 sq. ft with 147 rooms and 45 bathrooms was the third largest private residence in America and location of lavish parties held there during the “Gilded Age”. Remnants of the architecture from the original estate remain on the grounds of what now is the “Stotesbury” neighborhood in Springfield township. The art museum is releasing the urns due to the museum’s ongoing renovation and expansion.

“Keeping local history alive is what our organization is all about”, said Scott Kreilick, President of the Springfield Township Historical Society, “this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get a piece of the gilded age back in front of our residents to enjoy.”